Inaugural meeting of Deal joint committee

The first meeting of a committee established to govern the Aberdeen City Region Deal was held on Wednesday.

Members of Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Opportunity North East (ONE) came together to discuss the next steps of the historic £250million City Region Deal, which will be jointly funded by the UK and Scottish governments on a 50/ 50 basis.

At the meeting, Aberdeen City Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing was appointed chair of the committee, with Aberdeenshire Council’s co-leader Councillor Martin Kitts-Hayes agreed as vice-chair until May 2017.

The team behind the negotiation of the deal is now working on the detail of projects designed to create a better economic and social environment for the north east and benefit the nation as a whole.

The final agreement of the details of the deal are expected to be signed by the end of March.

Cllr Kitts-Hayes said: “The establishment of this committee will ensure we maximise the potential of this historic deal efficiently and effectively.

“Bringing together both councils and Opportunity North East, representing the private sector, on a regular basis will allow us to manage and progress these innovative projects effectually, to the benefit of the region.”

In addition to the £250million deal, the Scottish Government also announced further funding of £254million targeted towards the delivery of improved transport and digital connectivity and local housing programmes.